Steve Webb
NEW YORK, NY — Dave Roberts has his Dodgers in a good position, having grabbed Game 3 and wrestled home field advantage back from the Mets. With a win in the Big Apple already in his pocket, Roberts discussed certain roster decisions that have been made prior to Game 4 as he looks to take a commanding lead in this best-of seven series.
When asked about the status of star first baseman Freddie Freeman, who is not in the starting lineup for Game 4, Roberts said Freeman is “in good spirits” but is clearly “ailing.” He explained that the decision to keep Freeman out of the lineup was made to prioritize his long-term health over pushing him to play through discomfort. “He’s doing everything he can to stay on the field,” Roberts stated. “With the back-to-back games and one tomorrow, we’re just trying to make a decision on what puts him in the best position for the games going forward.”
Freeman, who was involved in last night’s victory, showed signs of physical struggle by the end of the game. Roberts noted, “It did look like he was laboring a little bit more at the end of last night’s game.” The decision was finalized after a phone call to Freeman the previous night, in which Roberts informed him that he would not be starting. “He asked me if he was being benched. That’s one thing; he doesn’t offer up days off,” said Roberts, acknowledging Freeman’s commitment to playing despite the physical toll. “He took it like a professional.”
Roberts also addressed Gavin Lux‘s status, explaining that the decision to rest Lux was a combination of matchup strategy and his minor hip flexor issue. “He’s had some starts versus left-handed pitching, but we’re facing a tough lefty tonight,” he said. “It’s also about giving him an extra day to recover but keeping him available if needed.”
Another significant topic of discussion was Shohei Ohtani‘s performance so far in the postseason. Ohtani’s contributions have been crucial, and Roberts emphasized his confidence in the star player. “I think he’s performing well,” Roberts said. “I’m excited for him. The moment isn’t too big for him, and that home run last night was great to see. I think it was important for his confidence.”
Ohtani’s ability to step up in clutch situations has been notable, particularly when hitting with runners in scoring position. While Roberts acknowledged that hitters naturally become more focused in such situations, he maintained that Ohtani is consistently valuable. “I still like him in any spot,” he said, “but yeah, there’s a little bit of a focus part when runners are in scoring position.”
Roberts was also asked about the challenges that Freeman faces in preparing to play, given the extensive treatment he requires. “It’s a huge undertaking,” he admitted. “What it takes for him to get ready for a ball game these days is significant. There is a lot that goes into it, but I don’t really care to know all the details. I just want to know if he’s in there or not.”
The Dodgers’ recent success in clutch situations and pitching has played a significant role in their postseason run, with Roberts attributing this to a combination of experience and talent. “Experience certainly helps,” he said. “Whether it’s a big spot coming into an inning or making a key pitch, that lends itself to experience. It’s about slowing down the moment, not making mistakes, converting outs, and making the big play when you need to.”
The manager also discussed the bullpen’s reliability, especially the contributions from players like Ryan Brasier. “He’s been great. We claimed him off waivers, and he’s been fearless in big spots,” Roberts explained. “Pitching in a tough market like Boston gives you confidence that the moment won’t be too big for him.”
Reflecting on his own past experiences, Roberts acknowledged the anniversary of his famous stolen base in the 2004 ALCS against the Yankees. “Time flies, as they say,” he remarked, drawing a parallel between that relentless Red Sox team and the current Dodgers squad. “There’s something to finding a way to win and being relentless. It’s a lot about figuring things out and having tough players.”
Roberts concluded by discussing the team’s pitching strategy moving forward, particularly with Yoshinobu Yamamoto slated to start Game 4. “I don’t see any reason why he can’t get into the sixth inning,” he said, expressing confidence in Yamamoto’s preparation. The off-days built into the postseason schedule allow for more strategic deployment of pitchers, which has been a factor in the Dodgers’ recent success. “In the regular season, you sometimes have to lose the battle to win the war. In the postseason, there’s a different urgency.”
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